A comprehensive package of European measures is designed to encourage online shoppers to buy across borders more often. Among other things, Brussels aims to harmonise the rules on online sales, align VAT thresholds and make parcel delivery affordable.
Currently, only 15 per cent of online consumers shop in another EU country. According to the European Commission, this low percentage is mainly due to high delivery costs. “These can sometimes be higher than the price of the product itself.”
Consultation round better parcel delivery
Brussels is therefore seeking more high-quality and more affordable parcel delivery across Europe's internal borders. A public consultation round has been launched in which everyone can share their ideas until the end of July.
Uniform rules and better enforcement
The consultation round is part of the EU's priority to optimise the digital single market. A key aim in this is to promote cross-border e-commerce. There will therefore be clear uniform rules on online sales of physical and digital products. In addition, efforts are being made to enforce online sales. Entrepreneurs in different member states should thus have a level playing field.
VAT threshold
A key measure is also modernising tax rules. The commission wants to equalise the VAT threshold everywhere so that smaller start-ups can more easily sell over the internet. The measures must be implemented by the end of 2016.
Editorial LogistiekProfs
